{"id":63,"date":"2025-01-15T18:46:56","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T02:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/?p=63"},"modified":"2025-01-16T15:12:45","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T23:12:45","slug":"mullenwegs-grip-on-wordpress-challenged-in-new-court-filing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/63\/mullenwegs-grip-on-wordpress-challenged-in-new-court-filing\/","title":{"rendered":"Mullenweg\u2019s Grip On WordPress Challenged In New Court Filing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-challenged-in-court-filing.webp\" alt=\"WordPress challenged in court filing\" class=\"wp-image-64\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-challenged-in-court-filing.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-challenged-in-court-filing-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-challenged-in-court-filing-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-challenged-in-court-filing-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A recent Motion to Intervene filed in the WP Engine lawsuit against Automattic and Matt Mullenweg has brought significant attention to the governance of WordPress. The motion, submitted by Michael Willman, a WordPress web developer and moderator of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/WPDrama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">r\/WPDrama<\/a> subreddit, alleges several claims against Mullenweg, seeking both monetary awards and a reform of WordPress\u2019s governance structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legal Filing Aims to Overhaul WordPress Governance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the pivotal requests in the legal filing is the establishment of a WordPress Governance Oversight Board. This board would oversee the governance of the WordPress Foundation, WordPress.org, and other related entities. The motion\u2019s proposed order includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cOrder Defendant Matt Mullenweg to establish a Governance Oversight Board as defined in the Proposed Order For Contempt filed by Michael Willman.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Background of the Legal Dispute<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael Willman, CEO of Redev, a WordPress development and SEO company, claims that being banned by Mullenweg led to substantial financial losses. Willman asserts that the ban, which occurred during a contentious period, resulted in the loss of a $14,500 contract and subsequent client relationships, severely impacting his business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Willman shared his experience with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginejournal.com\/mullenwegs-grip-on-wordpress-challenged-in-new-court-filing\/537416\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginejournal.com\/mullenwegs-grip-on-wordpress-challenged-in-new-court-filing\/537416\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Search Engine Journal<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cNear the start of this dispute, I lost a large ($14,500) contract as a direct result of being banned by Matt along with everyone else loosely associated. We had just closed the contract mere days before and the client is just seeing all these stories, and they back out.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Willman\u2019s retaliation claim includes being banned from WordPress platforms and Mullenweg\u2019s inconsistent application of the Code of Conduct. He believes Mullenweg\u2019s actions were unjustified and contributed to his financial and professional losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community Reactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Reddit WordPress community has largely supported Willman. One member commented:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cA client backing out of a signed contract ($14,500) because you being banned created a significant change is the most clear-cut example of harm from the WPE bans that I\u2019ve seen so far. F*** MM, and I really hope this is granted.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Another user expressed admiration for Willman\u2019s handling of the situation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cDude you\u2019re my hero \u2764\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Claims for Relief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The legal filing lists fifteen claims:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The legal filing lists fifteen claims, among them are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Intentional Interference with Contractual Relations<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mullenweg\u2019s actions disrupted existing contracts, leading to significant financial losses for Willman.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intentional Interference with Prospective Economic Relations<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The bans hindered potential business opportunities, damaging Willman\u2019s ability to secure new projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Attempted Extortion<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mullenweg allegedly offered business referrals conditional on Willman ceasing work with WP Engine and joining Automattic\u2019s affiliate program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Libel<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Public claims by Mullenweg of threats of physical violence from Willman were labeled as defamatory and damaging to Willman\u2019s reputation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trade Libel<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mullenweg\u2019s statements disparaged Willman\u2019s professional services, harming his business and reputation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Breach of Contract<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allegations that Mullenweg\u2019s actions violated the terms of service or agreements within the WordPress community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Negligence<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Claims that Mullenweg failed to uphold the standard of care expected in his position, leading to financial harm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fraud<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accusations of deceitful practices that misled Willman and others in the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unfair Business Practices<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assertions that Mullenweg engaged in actions that distorted fair competition within the WordPress ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Misrepresentation<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Claims that Mullenweg provided false or misleading information to justify his actions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Breach of Fiduciary Duty<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allegations that Mullenweg failed to act in the best interest of the WordPress community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conversion<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Claims of unauthorized control over Willman\u2019s access to essential WordPress platforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defamation<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Further claims of slanderous statements made by Mullenweg that harmed Willman\u2019s reputation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Civil Conspiracy<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allegations that Mullenweg conspired with others to harm Willman\u2019s business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Violation of the California Unfair Competition Law<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accusations of engaging in unfair, unlawful, and fraudulent business practices in violation of state law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Potential Impact of the Motion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This motion challenges the centralized control Mullenweg holds over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/website-builder\/21\/wordpress\">WordPress<\/a>, a cornerstone of the open-source community relied upon by millions worldwide. The proposed governance changes aim to democratize decision-making and reduce the influence of a single individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further Reading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For those interested in the legal intricacies, read it in full: <a href=\"https:\/\/websiteredev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wp-engine-automattic-matt-mullenweg-legal-filing.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Motion to Intervene &amp; Motion for Contempt Filed in WPEngine, Inc. v. Automattic Inc<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the Reddit community\u2019s discussion on this topic provides further insights and reactions to the motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The outcome of this motion could redefine the governance of WordPress, shifting from individual control to a more collective oversight structure. The case will undoubtedly be closely watched by the WordPress community and beyond as it unfolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those exploring alternatives to WordPress, you can check out other website builders on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\">ChooseWebsiteBuilder.com<\/a>. This site offers comparisons and reviews of various website building platforms, helping users find the best tool suited to their needs, whether they seek simplicity, customization, or specific features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A recent Motion to Intervene filed in the WP Engine lawsuit against Automattic and Matt Mullenweg has brought significant attention to the governance of WordPress. The motion, submitted by Michael Willman, a WordPress web developer and moderator of the r\/WPDrama &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/63\/mullenwegs-grip-on-wordpress-challenged-in-new-court-filing\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1683],"tags":[1679,1774,1773,1767,1772,1777,1778,1670,1681,1779,1684,1776,1775,1771],"class_list":["post-63","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wordpress","tag-automattic","tag-governance","tag-legal-filing","tag-matt-mullenweg","tag-michael-willman","tag-r-wpdrama","tag-redev","tag-seo","tag-wordpress","tag-wordpress-community","tag-wordpress-drama","tag-wordpress-foundation","tag-wordpress-oversight-board","tag-wp-engine-lawsuit"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75,"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63\/revisions\/75"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.choosewebsitebuilder.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}